Working in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has issued an order lifting a Ban on Open Burning that was initially ordered on Sept. 6, 2024, in response to extremely dry conditions in much of the state. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/SFM/SFM_-_Open_Burning_Order_Recission_10-11-2024.pdf
While drought conditions persist in parts of the state, the onset of moderate fall temperatures and atmospheric conditions and recent sustained rains that have fallen across the state have provided enough moisture to create a significant and sustained reduction in wildfire fuel loads during the first part of October. Most importantly, those reduced wildfire fuel loads are not projected to increase back to the dangerous levels observed in September for the foreseeable future. Specifically, broad areas of the state that received measurable amounts of rain have seen grass return to green and heavier wildland fuels like larger sticks and logs have had the opportunity to soak up moisture, substantially lessening the risks of uncontainable wildfires.
However, the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s normal annual burning restriction is found in the ORC 1503.18c
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1503.18
and prohibits most open burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in unincorporated areas in Ohio. This restriction is in place every fall from October 1 to November 30, and every spring from March 1 to May 31.
“Ohio law dictates that most outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Fire Prevention Manager Aaron Kloss. “In addition, make sure you are aware of any other open burning restrictions that might be in place, including Ohio EPA or any local fire department regulations, and be sure to never burn on dry and windy days, even during an unrestricted time.”
Any local burn bans put into place by local jurisdictions will remain in effect unless lifted by that jurisdiction.